A Cultural Evolution (Continued)
In as much as music reflects culture, hip-hop is shaped by and shapes transformational movements in post-Jim Crow America: civil rights, Black Power, and, currently, Black Lives Matter. Approaching the twenty-first century, various genres of African American music, culture, and styles have evolved and acculturated to epic proportions. However, to understand the genre of hip-hop fully, we must realize that, musically, it is a patchwork of funk, disco, rap, rhythm and blues, and neo-soul music bearing the mark of a socio-cultural resilience.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this one in the Rolling Stone article titled, "The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time", is certainly worth a million in terms of its representation of contemporary hip-hop music. Tupac Amaru Shakur (born Lesane Parish Crooks) (1971-1996) was one of the most significant rappers of all time. 2Pac, as he was known, was also an actor. Much of his work is notable for addressing contemporary social issues that plagued inner cities, and because of this, he is considered a symbol of resistance and activism against inequality.
Christopher George Latore Wallace (1972-1997), better known as The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, or simply Biggie, is a rapper and songwriter. Rooted in the New York rap scene and gangsta rap traditions, Wallace became known for his distinctive laidback lyrical delivery, offsetting the lyrics' often grim content. His music was often semi-autobiographical, telling of hardship and criminality but also debauchery and celebration.
Shawn Corey Carter (born 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z (styled as JAY-Z), is an American rapper, songwriter, record executive, businessman, and media proprietor. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history. He is also well known for being the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings cultivating major industry artists such as Kanye West, Rihanna, and J. Cole.
Finally, Lauryn Noelle Hill (born 1975), is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress. One of the most influential singers of her generation, Hill took the world by storm with her first solo, Grammy-winning album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The album intricately weaves hip-hop, rap, and neo-soul. Many music industry observers credit Hill for breaking barriers for female rappers, popularizing melodic rapping, and bringing hip-hop and neo-soul to popular music. She is known for being a member of Fugees.
Her solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill became one of the best-selling albums of all time. In addition, Hill has won many awards, including eight Grammy Awards, the most for a female rapper. Although this is not nearly the totality of artists contributing to the evolution of hip-hop, it is a clear representation of the genre at the start of the new millennium. We will discuss some of these artists in greater detail later in this lesson.
Kendrick Lamar "Mortal Man"
As I lead this army, make room for mistakes and depression.
Tupac "Only God Can Judge Me"
Only God can judge me, is that right?
(Only God can judge me now)
(Only God baby)
Nobody else, nobody else
All you other motherf---ers get out my business
(Only God can judge me now)